What is a Mattress Foundation? (Guide)

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You probably use a bed frame, box spring, or a foundation to lift your mattress from the floor. But what are they and which one’s best for you? We spent countless hours researching mattress foundations; including the different types, benefits, and things to look out for when buying one.

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What is a Mattress Foundation?

Mattress foundations, in the narrowest sense, are rectangle boxes made from wood or metal with in-built wooden or steel slats or a solid surface whose role is to elevate, support, and protect your mattress. We consider bed frames to be different from foundations, and in this section, we’ll solely focus on the latter.

A mattress needs to be properly supported, just like you need support from your mattress. A mattress foundation gives you stability and keeps your mattress raised off the floor. An adjustable foundation will give you even more. It can change the position of the head and leg area to adjust the body alignment. Some of them even have presets for massage.

Like mattresses, foundations are available in different sizes (Twin, XL, Queen, King, California King). A mattress foundation can be anywhere between 3 and 18 inches high. Depending on the style it can be low, standard, or high profile. Lower profile foundations work well with thicker mattresses while higher profile foundations are more suitable with thinner mattresses.

We’ve distinguished several types of mattress foundations based on materials, designs, and the different types of support they provide.

Metal foundation

Metal foundations are solid and durable. You’ll often find two types in the market – metal frames and metal platform bases.

Metal frame

A metal frame foundation is not designed to support a mattress alone. Most often, they are used to help keep the box spring or foundation in place and add height to your bed. This is a simple metal bed frame with wheels or adjustable height preferences.

Since they don’t have inbuild slats or solid boards, they should be used in combination with a box spring or platform bed foundation for support.

Metal platform base

Metal platform beds are foldable and easy to store. The sides are mainly made of durable steel. Most of them are with metal slats and some have a grid in the center of the foundation which makes the mattress more breathable and prevents sagging. In most cases, they need to be assembled.

This type of foundation elevates the mattress and provides extra storage space underneath your bed. They work well with any mattress because they offer a flat structure and firmer support.

Platform bed foundations

An independent platform bed foundation does not require a box spring because it either has slats or a flat, even surface. The platform bed frame goes well with most mattresses.

The most common example is a plain wooden box with a solid horizontal board or slats in the middle. A rope bed was a medieval type of platform foundation in which the mattress is supported by a net made of rope rather than wooden slats. However, if we ignore the history of beds and focus on modern times, this simple foundation is crafted from different materials, but a metal or wooden frame with slats is mostly present.

Platform foundations look like box springs because they are rectangle-shaped and can be covered with fabric, but they offer a different kind of mattress support.

Bed slats

Sometimes bases for bed frames are made of slats. Bed slats are wooden planks or metal bars stretched across the width of the bed.

Space between slats increases airflow and contributes to temperature maintenance. Weight holding capacity depends on the size of the slats. Slats are available in almost all mattress sizes, from twin to king size.

Bunkie board foundation

Bunkie boards are low-profile foundations mostly made of wood or plywood and usually covered with cloth. Sometimes it’s not just one board, but rather a set of slats or even a couple of boards that serve the same purpose – our favorite bunkie boards are not the traditional ones.

Bunkie boards are traditionally designed for bunk beds but are now mainly used to be placed on top of a foundation or old box spring. They are compatible with most frames and mattresses. Their low profile will not contribute to bed height but it will give a good and firm support to your mattress. Because of their simple appearance and being lightweight, bunkie boards are easy to move or store.

Adjustable foundation

Adjustable foundations can move you and your mattress if they are electrically powered. These have a built-in electric motor that helps elevate the head and legs to get the best sleeping or resting position. If they aren’t powered, you need to change the position manually.

Some adjustable bed foundations can be placed into a regular bed frame. Others come with their own frame as a single piece of furniture.

There are many types of adjustable bases out there, and they come with different benefits. Some of them are high-tech with features like massage settings or under-bed lighting.

You have probably seen adjustable bed frames in hospitals and health recovery establishments. Not only that, but they are also popular among people with certain health issues because of the possibility of tuning up their body position to relieve pain. Sleepers that snore often find it helpful to elevate the upper body to breathe normally.

Bed Frames, Box Springs, Foundations

Mattress foundations and box springs are smaller than the bed frames. They may be used individually or incorporated into the existing bed frame. This will contribute to overall bed height, steadiness, and increased airflow.

Bed frames, box springs, and foundations are all similar in that they have a rectangular box shape, but they offer different types of mattress support and sleeping comfort.

Box spring vs. mattress foundation

The main difference between a foundation and a box spring is that the mattress foundation has wooden slats or solid surfaces and the box spring is supporting a mattress by using a set of coils. Both bed bases are usually covered with breathable fabric.

Box springs are the forerunner of modern mattress foundations. They are supposed to take some of the pressure off so that your mattress feels more comfortable – a box spring is basically a framed box with springs inside and covered with fabric.

They made more sense in the past, when mattresses were simpler and bed frames were not as good at offering comfortable support. Today, you don’t really need a box spring but you can use it if you want a taller bed or if you like the look of it.

Mattress foundations are normally made of a frame and wooden slats, or a frame and platform-like metal grid. Even though it is not as lightweight as a traditional box spring, a mattress foundation is still breathable and allows the sleeper to stay cool.

Perhaps the best explanation comes from this illustration posted on the website of one of the popular mattress manufacturers, Layla.

Mattress foundation vs. bed frame

Bed frames should be the ultimate support for your mattress. Unlike mattress foundations, they are usually equipped with bed rails, headboards, and footboards. Mattress foundations and bed frames are primarily different in height and ability to support body weight and protect mattresses.

A mattress foundation may be built into some bed frames. Unless the bed frame you want to buy has slats or a bunkie board built-in, you will need a box spring or foundation.

Foundations are usually placed on top of bed frames so that the mattress has a flat, sturdy surface and is protected from damage. This will make your bed higher and steady.

Platform beds and frames with built-in mattress foundations are often the only frames designed to fully support mattresses.

What’s the Best Bed Foundation for Me?

When you choose mattress foundation, there are two main things you should consider – the type of mattress and the type of bed frame (if you are combining the foundation with the bed frame). Different types of mattresses and frames require different mattress foundations. For example, innerspring mattresses are comfortable and bouncy in combination with box springs. Foam mattresses are good with platform beds and slatted foundations.

The bed foundation and box spring may become an addition to any bed frame. Still, they are most helpful for unslatted frames because they fill the middle of the frame and relieve pressure from side bars deploying it to the horizontal slats or solid surface.

Best foundation for different types of bed frames

Platform bed frames with metal or wood slats or solid surfaces don’t require bed foundations. However, you can use a foundation with this type of bed frame if you want to increase the bed height or achieve extra airflow.

Bed frames without slats, boards, or any central support to your mattress need to be teamed up with a box spring or mattress foundation. You can see a table with recommended mattress foundations for various bed frames below.

Best foundation for different mattress types

Mattress type, in many aspects, determines your choice of foundation or bed frame. Memory foam mattresses tend to be hotter than other mattresses, so they need a breathable surface as a slatted mattress foundation or platform bed. Latex mattresses are compatible with metal platform foundations with steel slats or solid wooden slatted mattress foundations.

Innerspring mattresses go well with box springs because of their bouncy structure, whereas hybrid mattresses work excellent with bunkie boards. A satisfying combination of a good mattress and a quality mattress foundation should bring ultimate comfort to your tired body.

Avoid placing a new mattress on an old foundation. The foundation of your choice should largely depend on the mattress you use; and sometimes, a foundation is designed to complement a specific mattress.

In addition, let us mention that a western futon goes best with a slatted mattress foundation. A Japanese futon should be placed on the floor, Japanese bed frame, or tatami mat, and the mattress topper goes directly on the mattress. Air mattresses should feel cozy in combination with a bunkie board.

Is it ok to put a mattress foundation on the floor?

Mattress foundations are designed to be placed alone on the floor or into the bed frame. Almost every foundation can be used separately and be placed directly on the floor. The purpose of a foundation is to elevate your mattress from the ground in a range of 4-18 inches, depending on the profile of the mattress foundation.

8 Benefits of Mattress Foundations

Every product that elevates your mattress from the floor is beneficial to your bed comfort and health in many aspects. If you’re wondering what benefits you might have from a foundation, here are some highlights.

• Provides mattress support and keeps the mattress from sliding.
• Prevents external damage to the mattress and keeps it from sagging.
• Adds height to bed. Every mattress foundation can be placed directly on the floor to elevate a mattress.
• Adjustable foundation provides pain relief. Sleep apnea, acid reflux, back pain, and snoring can be relieved with this type of bed frame. Additionally, it promotes healthy blood circulation.
• Protects mattress from dust, dirt, mold, and allergens. The elevated mattress is less likely to get dust and dirt from the floor.
• Increases airflow. As a barrier between the floor and a mattress, the foundation elevates the bed structure and increases air circulation beneath and around the mattress.
• Functionality and practicality. A foundation may be used individually or incorporated into the bed frame.
• Easy to store. Lightweight and easy assembly along with mobility are the basic characteristics of bed foundations.

How to Choose the Best Mattress Foundation

When choosing a mattress foundation, besides the mattress type and bed frame, there are a couple more things to consider.

1. Budget – the price range of mattress foundation is in the range between $100-$2000. Luxury foundations and adjustable frames are among the expensive ones.
2. Quality of materials – it is crucial to pay attention to the quality of materials constructed in your bed base if you want it to last.
3. Design and style – many foundations are stylish with functional design. Many people want their foundation to fit into the aesthetics of the bedroom.
4. Mattress warranty – some mattress warranties don’t cover mattress damage caused by an improper mattress foundation. If you are using a recommended foundation, ensure that your mattress policy covers damages or sagging. Don’t hesitate to ask if you’re unsure. You can contact a customer service representative or use a live chat to ask questions.

FAQs

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Conclusion

Mattress foundations have a significant role in how your bed feels, how it breathes, and how long it lasts. They may be used as a part of a bed frame or individually. An adjustable bed that allows you to adjust your sleeping position may completely transform your sleep experience. The influence of a bed foundation on bed height, airflow, and sleep hygiene is tremendous, and the variety in the market should satisfy even the most demanding sleepers.

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Next step: There are TONS of different mattress foundations and frames (as you’ve just learned). If you’re sleeping on a memory foam mattress, we have a few specific brands that we approve of. Read our list of the best bed frames for memory foam mattresses to find a brand that’s right for you.

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Psst… the sleep review industry is full of liars, sharks, and thieves. It’s a modern-day version of getting ripped off at your local mattress store. So, why should you trust us?